Apparatuses for generating neutrons

ABSTRACT

Apparatus (1) for generating neutrons comprising a hollow casing (2) having a central axis (A) and configured for rotating about said central axis (A), said hollow casing (A) comprising a wall (3) having a central region (3a), substantially at the central axis (A) and a peripheral region (3b) external to said central region (3a), said wall (3) defining a cavity (4), said cavity (4) being configured for containing a first coolant fluid; an active layer (6) positioned at least partially on said peripheral region (3b) externally to said cavity (4), said active layer (6) being configured for realizing a neutron-generating reaction; at least a particle accelerator (7) configured for directing a ion beam on said active layer (6) for activating said reaction; movement means (8) configured for rotating said hollow casing (2) about said central axis (A) forcing said first coolant fluid to lightly touch internally said wall (3) at said active layer (6) for cooling said hollow casing (2); external cooling means (9) configured for externally cooling the hollow casing (2), said external cooling means (9) comprising a second coolant fluid lightly touching externally at least partially said wall (3). Said hollow casing (2) is sealed with respect to an external environment for retaining said first coolant fluid inside said cavity (4).

The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating neutrons. The apparatus according to the present invention is usefully employed in the radiation and examination of materials.

It is known from the state of the art an apparatus for generating neutrons, in particular quick neutrons. The apparatus comprises a particle accelerator which directs a ion beam on a target surface causing a nuclear fusion reaction producing the mentioned neutrons.

In greater detail, the apparatus comprises a hollow rotating structure onto which the target surface is externally positioned. Cooling means are active on the target surface, such as to remove the high thermal power generated by the accelerator on the target surface by means of water recirculation.

In further detail, the known rotating structure makes the ion beam affect a single localized region of the target surface. Thereby, the hollow structure is not exceedingly stressed. Cooling means, in fluid communication with the rotating structure, allow to cool the rotating structure internally. In still greater detail, cooling means comprise a tubing net to take a coolant liquid to the rotating structure near the target surface.

Document WO 2016060867, to GTAT Corporation, discloses an apparatus for producing neutrons by means of a reaction caused by an ion beam affecting a rotating target. The apparatus for producing neutrons shown in this document comprises cooling means which allow a cooling liquid to wet the rotating target ensuring the removal of power produced during neutron production. In greater detail, cooling means are in fluid communication with the rotating target and allow, by means of an external pump, the coolant fluid to recirculate in a capillary net arranged in the rotating target.

Disadvantageously, in order to ensure the operation of cooling means, the known apparatuses comprise a rotating seal. Therefore, they increase the likelihood of coolant fluid leakages containing radioactive material and the break of the whole apparatus.

Disadvantageously, the removal of thermal power from the target surface is limited by the extent of coolant fluid in the capillary net.

Disadvantageously, the known apparatuses are not able to obtain high neutron flows because of the reduced capacity of removing thermal power.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to provide an apparatus for generating neutrons which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the known art.

In particular, it is the object of the present invention to make available an apparatus for generating neutrons able to guarantee high safety and reliability levels both during operation and maintenance.

The mentioned technical task and the specified objectives are substantially obtained by an apparatus for generating neutrons comprising the technical characteristics in one or more of the enclosed claims.

The present invention has as an object an apparatus for generating neutrons comprising a hollow casing having a central axis and configured to rotate about said central axis. Such hollow casing comprises a wall having a central region substantially at the central axis and a peripheral region external to said central region. In particular, the wall defines a cavity configured to contain one first coolant fluid.

An active layer is at least partially positioned on the peripheral region externally to the cavity. More in detail, the active layer is configured to realize a neutron-generating reaction.

The apparatus comprises at least a particle accelerator configured to direct a ion beam on the active layer to activate the reaction. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises movement means configured to rotate the hollow casing about the central axis. Thereby, movement means force the first coolant fluid to lightly touch internally the wall at the active layer to cool the hollow casing.

External cooling means are configured to cool the hollow casing externally. In particular, external cooling means comprise a second coolant fluid lightly touching externally at least partially the wall. The hollow casing is sealed from an external environment to retain the first coolant fluid within the cavity.

Advantageously, movement means allow to direct the first coolant fluid at the active layer where the reaction takes place and by means of a phase change of the first coolant fluid they remove heat at the active layer thereof. Thereby, movement means reduce the components necessary for cooling the hollow casing. In particular, the pump for cooling the casing is no longer necessary.

Advantageously, movement means and external cooling means allow to dissipate a big amount of thermal power released on the active layer thanks to a first phase change of the first coolant liquid. Furthermore, movement and external cooling means are configured to transfer the removed thermal power outwardly realizing a second phase change of the first coolant fluid near the wall. An improved dissipation of thermal power reduces the risks of breaking the hollow casing and allows to generate high neutron flows.

Advantageously, the casing can be easily removed and transported in a reconditioning section with no risks of releasing possible radioactive products as it is sealed.

Advantageously, the casing sealing allows to avoid the first coolant fluid leakages during the rotation of the casing itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more apparent from the indicative, and therefore non-limiting description of a preferred, though not exclusive, embodiment of an apparatus for generating neutrons, as illustrated in the enclosed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a section view of an apparatus for generating neutrons according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a section view of a detail of the apparatus for generating neutrons of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a view from above of the apparatus for generating neutrons of FIG. 1 with some parts being removed to better show others.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the enclosed drawings, 1 indicates a neutron-generating apparatus according to the present invention.

The apparatus 1 comprises a hollow casing 2 having a central axis A and it is configured to rotate about a central axis A.

The hollow casing 2 extends preferably along a central axis A between one first 2 a and one second end 2 b opposite to the first end 2 a.

The hollow casing 2 comprises a wall 3. In particular, the wall 3 has a central region 3 a at substantially the central axis A and a peripheral region 3 b external to the central region 3 a. In still greater detail, the wall 3 defines a cavity 4. The wall 3 has the function to separate the cavity 4 from an external environment.

The cavity 4 is configured to contain one first coolant fluid, preferably water.

The hollow casing 2 is in particular sealed from the external environment. Even more in particular, the hollow casing 2 is configured to retain the first coolant fluid within the cavity 4 such as to prevent leakages and intrusions of other fluids inside the cavity 4. In greater detail, the hollow casing 2 has a disc portion 11 preferably at the first end 2 a. Such disc portion 11 has an upper surface 11 a, a lower surface 11 b and an edge 11 c placed between the upper surface 11 a and the lower surface 11 b. In particular, the upper surface 11 a and the lower surface 11 b and the edge 11 c define at least partially the wall 3. More in detail, the disc portion 11 has a diameter Dd.

The hollow casing 2 also has a truncated-cone portion 12 extended along the central axis A from the lower surface 11 b to the second end 2 b. Such truncated-cone portion 12 defines at least partially the cavity 4. In particular, the truncated-cone portion 12 has a base 13 at the second end 2 a. In greater detail, the base 13 is preferably a substantially flat circular plate having one first diameter Di.

In still greater detail, the truncated-cone portion 12 has a side wall 14 connected to the base 13 and to the lower surface 11 b of the disc portion 11.

According to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, the truncated-cone portion 12 is tapered to direct the first coolant fluid into the disc portion 11 preferably near the edge 11 c. In greater detail, the side wall 14 defines a connecting edge 15 opposite to the base 13 along the central axis A. Preferably, the truncated-cone portion 12 is connected to the lower surface 11 b of the disc portion 11 at the connecting edge 15.

In still greater detail, the connecting edge 15 has a second diameter Dm greater than the first diameter Di relative to the base 13 and preferably smaller than or equal to diameter Dd of the disc portion 11.

The cavity 4 is wholly defined by the disc portion 11 and by the truncated-cone portion 12, preferably aligned along the central axis A and centred with respect thereto.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures, the diameter Dd of the disc portion 11 is greater than the second diameter Dm. In particular, the disc portion 11 near the edge 11 c protrudes externally from the side surface 14 of the truncated-cone portion 12. In greater detail, the lower surface lib extends between the side wall 14, in particular at the connection between the two portions 11, 12, and the edge 11 c. It must be noted that the lower surface 11 b has a substantially circular ring shape.

Preferably, the hollow casing 2 is made of a metal material able to withstand mechanical and thermal stresses it is subjected to.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures, the hollow casing 2 is kept vertically along the central axis A such that the disc portion 11 is positioned over the truncated-cone portion 12. In particular, the central axis A of the hollow casing 2 is substantially perpendicular to a basement 22, parallel to the ground. In greater detail, the hollow casing 2 extends from the truncated-cone portion 12 near the basement 22 along the central axis A.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an active layer 6 is at least partially positioned on the peripheral region 3 b externally to the cavity 4. In particular, the active layer 6 is configured to promote a neutron-generating reaction, preferably a nuclear fusion reaction. The active layer 6 is preferably composed of titanium previously or simultaneously enriched of tritium by implantation.

Advantageously, the active layer is configured to promote the nuclear fusion reaction to generate flows of 14 MeV fast neutrons.

In particular, the active layer 6 is located on the disc portion 11 preferably at the edge 11 c. Preferably, the active layer 6 has circular ring shape near the edge 11 c. Optionally, the apparatus 1 can comprise two active layers 6, respectively placed on the upper surface 11 a and on the lower surface 11 b of the disc portion 11.

At least one particle accelerator 7 is configured to direct a particle and/or ion beam, preferably deuterium ions, on the active layer 6 to activate the nuclear fusion reaction. In particular, the ion beam affects the peripheral region 3 b at the active layer 6. In greater detail, the particle accelerator 7 is positioned such that the ion beam is substantially perpendicular to the upper 11 a and lower 11 b surface of the disc portion 11 at the active layer 6. In still greater detail, the particle accelerator 7 is fixed with respect to the hollow casing rotation 2.

In other words, the particle accelerator 7 substantially faces the disc portion 11 at the edge 11 c. In particular, the particle accelerator 7 is configured to realize the fusion reaction in a reaction region 21. The reaction region 21 is in particular the region where each ion beam affects the disc portion and results substantially fixed during the rotation of the hollow casing 2 with respect to the particle accelerator 7.

The apparatus 1 comprises a seat 16 positioned near the active layer 6 to retain a sample to be radiated 17. Preferably, the seat 16 is configured to retain the sample to be radiated 17 downstream of the nuclear fusion reaction such as to receive the neutron flow generated by the reaction itself. In greater detail, the edge 11 c has a circumferential recess 18. Such circumferential recess 18 defines the seat 16. Preferably the sample to be radiated 17 is held fixed with respect to the hollow casing 2 rotating in a way known to the skilled in the art and herein not further described in detail. In particular, the target 17 is constantly held near the reaction region 21.

Advantageously, the rotation of the hollow casing 2 with respect to the sample to be radiated 17 allows to maintain a constant neutron flow on the sample 17 itself without the ion beam affecting the hollow casing 2 for over a time limit causing its break/fusion.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the system comprises two particle accelerators 7 opposite between them with respect to the disc portion 11. Each particle accelerator 7 is associated to a respective active layer 6, such that an ion beam affects the upper surface 11 a and another ion beam affects on the lower surface 11 b in the respective reaction regions 21. In this case, the seat 16 and the target 17 are arranged between the two active layers 6 and are in particular equidistant between them.

Advantageously, in this way the sample to be radiated 17 receives two neutron flows simultaneously. Preferably, particle accelerators 7 are configured to realize the nuclear fusion reactions simultaneously on the upper surface 11 a and on the lower surface 11 b. In greater detail, the fusion reaction realized on the upper surface 11 a generates a neutron flow substantially towards the lower surface 11 b and vice versa.

It must be noted that each ion beam affecting the disc portion 11 and each fusion reaction release a thermal power on the disc itself. To dispose of such thermal power, the apparatus 1 comprises movement means S in particular coupled to the side wall 14. Such movement means 8 force, by rotating the casing 2 about the central axis A, the first coolant liquid to lightly touch internally the wall 3 at the active layer 6 to internally cool the hollow casing 2.

In particular, movement means 8 allow to remove the thermal power released on the part 3 at the active layer 6 directing the first coolant fluid from the truncated-cone portion 12 to the disc portion 11. In other words, movement means 8 force the first coolant fluid 7 into the disc portion 11 by means of the centrifugal force.

In greater detail, movement means 8 are configured to push the first coolant fluid at the edge 11 c of the disc portion 11 promoting the removal of the thermal power released during the neutron beam generation.

Preferably, the hollow casing 2 is configured to remove the thermal power released at the reaction regions 21 by means of a first phase change of the first coolant fluid.

Movement means 8 rotating the hollow casing 2 move the first coolant fluid, contained in the cavity 4, at the circumferential recess 18 ensuring the removal of thermal power from the disc portion 11 by means of the first phase change of the first coolant fluid. In particular, the first coolant fluid spreads internally between the circumferential recess 18 and the lower and upper surfaces 11 a, 11 b near the border 11 c. In greater detail, according to the embodiment comprising one single particle accelerator 7 the first phase change occurs at the upper surface 11 a where externally the nuclear fusion reaction occurs. In case two particle accelerators 7 are present, the first phase change occurs at the upper 11 a and lower surface 11 b.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention the first coolant fluid is a liquid, in particular, water and the first phase change is evaporation.

Advantageously, the first coolant fluid introduced into the cavity 4 allows to reach the saturated vapour pressure at a pre-established working temperature TL, preferably 60° C., having a liquid phase and a gas phase coexist.

In other words, the disc portion 11 internally at the edge 11 c acts as evaporator, ensuring that the thermal power produced by the nuclear fusion is transmitted to the first coolant fluid accumulated in the liquid phase in the evaporator. Thereby, transforming the thermal power in evaporation latent heat, the first coolant fluid is transformed into gas phase without undergoing thermal rise and the thermal power is removed from the disc portion 11.

Preferably, movement means 8 comprise supporting elements 23 configured to maintain the hollow casing 2 vertical bearing the weight thereof.

According to the embodiment shown in the FIGS. 1 and 2 the movement means 8 further comprise a compartment 26 configured to house a rotation mechanism 27. In particular, such rotation mechanism 27 can comprise a toothed wheel coupled to a pinion driven by an external electric engine or a turbine driven by compressed air from an external compressor. The toothed wheel or turbine, whose choice depends on the requested speed, are fitted on the external surface of the hollow casing 2. According to such embodiment the side wall 14 of the hollow casing 2 at the compartment 26 has externally a cylinder profile configured for mechanical dragging. In still greater detail, movement means 8 comprise one or more bearings 28 coupled to the side wall 14 such as to ease the hollow casing 2 rotation. Preferably, such bearings are positioned between the disc portion 11 and the compartment 26.

External cooling means 9 are configured to externally cool the hollow casing 2. In particular, external cooling means 9 comprise a second coolant fluid lightly touching externally at least partially the wall 3. The hollow casing 2, being sealed, prevents the second coolant fluid to enter inside the cavity 4 mixing with the first coolant fluid.

In particular, external cooling means 9 are configured to remove from the hollow casing 2 the thermal power transmitted at the active layer 6. In greater detail, external cooling means 9 are configured to cool the first coolant fluid lightly touching with the second coolant fluid the second base 13 and at least partially the side wall 14 near the base 13. In still greater detail, external cooling means 9 are configured to make a second phase change of the first coolant fluid at least at the side wall 14 lightly touched externally by the second coolant liquid.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second phase change consists in condensing at least partially the vapour produced by the first phase change at least partially along the side wall 14. In particular, the specific volume increasing due to the vapour produced near the disc portion 11 and the specific volume decreasing due to vapour condensation generate a pressure difference between the first 2 a and the second end 2 b of the casing 2. The pressure difference attracts towards the second end 2 b the vapour produced allowing the second phase change on the side wall 14. In this way, the hollow casing 2 is configured to transfer thermal power to the second coolant fluid by means of the second phase change. In still greater detail, the second phase change transfers the thermal power to the second coolant fluid by conduction through the side wall and preferably the second base 4.

In other words, at least a part of the truncated-cone portion 12 acts as a condenser. In particular, external cooling means 9 keep the second coolant fluid at a temperature lower than the pre-established working temperature IL of the first coolant fluid. Thus, the contact between the vapour generated inside the hollow casing 2 and the side wall 14 causes the second phase change by condensing vapour and removing thereby heat from the hollow casing 2.

Advantageously, the sealed hollow casing 2 allows the thermal power transfer from the active state 6 towards the second coolant fluid to occur as a result of the first and second phase change.

External cooling means 9 comprise a basin 24 and an external heat exchanger, not shown, configured to maintain the second coolant fluid at an external threshold temperature TC heated by the hollow casing 2. In particular, the external threshold temperature TC is lower than the pre-established working temperature IL of the first coolant fluid.

In detail, the basin 24 is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger to ensure cooling of the second coolant fluid.

In greater detail, the basin 24 contains the second coolant fluid and is configured to contain the base 4 and at least partially the side wall 14 of the truncated-cone portion 12. In other words, the hollow casing 2 is partially immersed into the basin 24 at the truncated-cone portion 12 part.

In still greater detail, the basement 22 is preferably the bottom of the basin 24.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the condensation of the first coolant fluid in the form of vapour allows to transfer latent condensation heat to the side wall 14 which transfers latent condensation heat by conduction to the second coolant fluid which heats up.

Advantageously, the apparatus 1 is configured to transfer the nuclear fusion thermal power to the second coolant fluid by means of a forced convection of the first coolant fluid 7 due to the evaporation process and condensation kept by movement means 8 and by external cooling means 9.

Advantageously, the partial immersion of the hollow casing 2 inside the basin 24 ensures a uniform cooling of the hollow casing 2.

According to the preferred embodiment, movement means 8 are coupled to the side wall 14 such as to immerse the base 13 and at least partially the side wall 14 in the basin 24.

The apparatus 1 further comprises vacuum sealing means 19 configured to keep the vacuum between the particle accelerator 7 and at least the disc portion 3 to realize the neutron-generating reaction. In particular, vacuum sealing means 19 are fixed and insulate the disc portion 13 from the external environment and at least partially the side wall 14 at the connection with the disc portion.

Advantageously, vacuum sealing means 19 limit the dispersion of ions accelerated by the particle accelerator, in particular tritium ions.

Advantageously, vacuum sealing means 19 allow the operation of particle accelerators.

In greater detail, vacuum sealing means 19 comprise at least a rotating seal 20 configured to maintain the vacuum externally to the disc portion 11 of the hollow casing 2. In particular, the rotating seal 20 is positioned at the connection between the disc portion 11 and the side portion 14.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures, the rotating seal 20 is placed at movement means 8 such as to avoid vacuum loss during rotation.

In greater detail, vacuum sealing means 19 comprise an external cover 25 to which one or more of the above-described particle accelerators 7 are connected, such as to maintain the vacuum from the external environment.

Furthermore, vacuum sealing means 19 comprise a vacuum pump, not shown, configured to maintain the vacuum within the external cover 16, in particular between the external cover 16 and the disc portion 11.

Neutron generation and the cooling of the neutron-generating system 1 occur as follows.

First of all, the hollow casing 2 is filled with the first coolant fluid and sealed from the external environment preventing the hollow casing 2 to be in fluid communication with the external environment.

In a subsequent step, the hollow casing 2 is partially immersed inside the basin 24 in contact with the second coolant fluid and connected to movement means 8 at the connection between the disc portion 11 and the truncated-cone portion. In particular, the hollow casing 2 is kept at a pre-established height from the basement 22. Furthermore, the hollow casing 2 is maintained in a preestablished position such to expose the active layer 6 to the ion flow generated by particle accelerators 7.

Then, the sample to be irradiated 17 is positioned within the circumferential recess 18 and kept fixed with respect to the hollow casing.

After that, the hollow casing 2 and particle accelerators 7 are insulated from the external environment by means of vacuum sealing means 19.

In a later step, the hollow casing 2 is rotated with respect to the central axis A by movement means 8 which take the first coolant fluid, preferably water, to the edge 11 c by means of the centrifugal force generated by the rotation.

Then, particle accelerators 7 direct the ion flow on the active layer 6 at the reaction region 21 initiating the nuclear fusion reaction. In particular, the neutron flow generated by each reaction irradiates the sample positioned in the circumferential recess 18.

Once the fusion reaction has started, the thermal power released at the active layer 6 causes the first phase change of the first coolant fluid forced at the edge 11 c, the first fluid, preferably water, evaporates. In particular, the first and second phase change generate a pressure difference between the first end 2 a and the second end 2 b.

Then, the pressure difference moves the generated vapour towards the second end 2 b of the hollow casing 2 along the central axis A, causing the second phase change, that is to say vapour condensation. In particular, vapour, impacting on the side surface 14 and preferably on the base 13 realizes the second phase change. In greater detail, vapour, by condensing, exchanges heat with the second coolant liquid maintained at a lower temperature.

After the second phase change, the first coolant fluid migrates again towards the disc portion 11 near the edge 11 c by to the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the hollow casing 2.

Advantageously, the perfectly sealed hollow casing 2 allows to replace the casing itself if necessary preventing leakage into the external environment of radioactive products possibly contained in the first fluid. In particular, in case the first coolant fluid is water, the sealed hollow casing 2 avoids leakage of tritium water produced during the functioning of the apparatus 1.

Advantageously, the sealed hollow casing 2 can be easily transported in reconditioning basins.

Advantageously, the absence of mechanical members, such as pumps and tubes, inside the hollow casing 2 allows to simplify the neutron-generating system. 

1. An apparatus for generating neutrons comprising: a hollow casing having a central axis and configured for rotating about said central axis, said hollow casing comprising a wall having a central region substantially at the central axis and a peripheral region external to said central region, said wall defining a cavity, said cavity being configured for containing one first coolant fluid; an active layer positioned at least partially on said peripheral region externally to said cavity, said active layer being configured for realizing a neutron-generating reaction; at least a particle accelerator configured for directing an ion beam on said active layer activate said reaction; movement means configured for rotating said hollow casing about said central axis by forcing said first coolant fluid to lightly touch internally said wall at said active layer for cooling said hollow casing; external cooling means configured for externally cooling the hollow casing, said external cooling means comprising a second coolant fluid lightly touching externally at least partially said wall; said hollow casing is sealed with respect to an external environment for retaining said first coolant fluid within said cavity.
 2. Apparatus for generating neutrons according to claim 1, wherein said hollow casing extends longitudinally along the central axis between one first end and one second end, said hollow casing having: a disc portion at the first end, said disc portion having an upper surface, a lower surface and an edge arranged between said upper surface and said lower surface, said upper surface, said lower surface and said edge defining at least in part said wall; a truncated-cone portion extended along the central axis from said lower surface to said second end, said truncated-cone portion having a base at said second end and a side wall connected to said base and to said lower surface of said disc portion, said base and said side wall defining at least in part said wall.
 3. Apparatus for generating neutrons according to claim 2, wherein said cavity is defined by said disc portion and by said truncated-cone portion, said movement means being configured for pushing said first coolant fluid from the truncated-cone portion to the disc portion.
 4. Apparatus for generating neutrons according to claim 2, wherein said truncated-cone portion is tapered for directing the first coolant fluid into said disc portion at said edge.
 5. Apparatus for generating neutrons according to claim 2, wherein: said base of said truncated-cone portion has a first diameter; said side wall of said truncated-cone portion defines a connecting edge opposite to said base along said central axis, said truncated-cone portion being connected to said lower surface of said disc portion at said connecting edge, said connecting edge having a second diameter greater than said first diameter of said base; said disc portion has a diameter greater than or equal to said second diameter of said connecting edge of said truncated-cone portion.
 6. Apparatus for generating neutrons according to claim 2, wherein said active layer is positioned on said disc portion near said edge.
 7. Apparatus for generating neutrons according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a seat positioned near said active layer for retaining a sample to be radiated.
 8. Apparatus for generating neutrons according to claim 2, wherein said edge of said disc portion has a circumferential recess defining said seat.
 9. Apparatus for generating neutrons according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises: vacuum-sealing means fixed with respect to said hollow casing and configured for maintaining vacuum between said particle accelerator and at least said disc portion to realize a neutron-generating reaction.
 10. Apparatus for generating neutrons according claim 9, wherein said vacuum-sealing means comprise: at least a rotating seal configured for maintaining vacuum externally with respect to the disc portion of the hollow casing.
 11. Apparatus for generating neutrons according to claim 2, wherein said central axis of said hollow casing is substantially vertical, said disc portion being positioned above said truncated-cone portion. 